Spec me a small hatchback (£4k)

DiNZi · 12 Feb 2015 at 14:50

Hi there,

We've recently sold a Toyota Corolla and a Saab 9-3, and bought a Mercedes C200 Auto 2010 (60) plate and looking to now buy a small Hatchback under £4k just to get around for short journeys, also will be used for myself after I pass my driving test as the Merc will be too much to get insured under at this moment in time.

There's something I like about the Vauxhall Astra, looks pretty slick with some sporty style to it. It's got the metal pedals, shiny chrome exhaust, nice color I'd say, very similar to the Mercedes we have.

Which would you say looks in better condition here?

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201502050715541
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201502060740962

rossk26 · 12 Feb 2015 at 15:43

Never really thought the Astra was a good looking car really, and in it's class it's always been classed as the worst...

Personally I really like the Mazda 3 Sport. Based on the Focus, which is a good thing, but again personally think the 3 is a better looking car, and comes with decent level of kit

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201501190265383

Millwall.FC · 12 Feb 2015 at 16:05

Another vote for the mazda 3 also one of the cheapest 2 litre cars you will find insurence wise. Had one for a year and a half with no problems.

NooBish AbbZ · 12 Feb 2015 at 18:27

Ford Focus? I'd expect you could get a nice 2nd gen for that kinda money.

DiNZi · 12 Feb 2015 at 18:46

NooBish AbbZ said:
Ford Focus? I'd expect you could get a nice 2nd gen for that kinda money.

I'm not a huge fan of the Ford Focus shape.

I'll definitely look into the Mazda 3 though, they look pretty decent to me.

What do you guys think about the Toyota Auris? Replacement for the Corolla. I've seen a couple for under £4k.

http://www.gumtree.com/p/toyota/toyota-auris-tr-vvt-i-5dr-hatchback-2008/1090259983

Griffo · 12 Feb 2015 at 19:05

Sorry, fail to see the appeal of the linked Astras... Does the Mini Cooper come into play here? It's a small hatch, wheels almost at the corners

.

DiNZi · 12 Feb 2015 at 19:08

Griffo said:
Sorry, fail to see the appeal of the linked Astras... Does the Mini Cooper come into play here? It's a small hatch, wheels almost at the corners .

Forgot to put it in the main post, need it to be 4dr.

Griffo · 12 Feb 2015 at 19:17

Ah, poop

.

kaptainmarc · 12 Feb 2015 at 20:05

Seat leon/Ibiza?

Honda Civic?

Ford fiesta?

Toyota auris?

Suzuki swift?

Plenty of the above available in 5 door on autotrader

ElliottJames · 12 Feb 2015 at 21:08

Astra not sporty at all, perhaps middle age mother sporty. Just get a cheaper car to make do and save and buy something decent?

NooBish AbbZ · 12 Feb 2015 at 21:27

ElliottJames said:
Astra not sporty at all, perhaps middle age mother sporty. Just get a cheaper car to make do and save and buy something decent?

VXR version possibly? Though that may send insurance crazy

Millwall.FC · 12 Feb 2015 at 21:49

ElliottJames said:
Astra not sporty at all, perhaps middle age mother sporty. Just get a cheaper car to make do and save and buy something decent?

Is that what you say when a bog standard 2 litre turbo astra sri goes flying past you

Stormster · 12 Feb 2015 at 22:44

Bit like mine with 260BHP?

OP don't pay too much if you decide on one of these. I only bought mine due to price. £2150, 06 reg, 72k, good condition, what else is there to say, it's an Astra lol. Mines an "SRi 200+" model. Bit messed with now...

Dav4 · 12 Feb 2015 at 22:54

Stormster said:
Bit like mine with 260BHP?

OP don't pay too much if you decide on one of these. I only bought mine due to price. £2150, 06 reg, 72k, good condition, what else is there to say, it's an Astra lol. Mines an "SRi 200+" model. Bit messed with now...

That must be insane to drive

as when I had that shape Astra as a hire car for a week it was the worst handling car I have ever had the displeasure of driving. Trying to throw it round corners like I normally did with the mk1 focus I was having repaired at the time just resulted in understeer and it felt like the wheels were gonna snap off and that was in the 1.6 100bhp so the thought of 260bhp in one of them would be crazy :eek:

Stormster · 12 Feb 2015 at 23:05

It's on coilovers and reasonable tyres so it is fine if you don't foot down every corner

Waaaaaaaay less body roll than standard

ElliottJames · 13 Feb 2015 at 02:15

Millwall.FC said:
Is that what you say when a bog standard 2 litre turbo astra sri goes flying past you

Which one?? http://www.parkers.co.uk/cars/reviews/facts-and-figures/vauxhall/astra/hatchback-2004/

And no I sit back in my full leather seats and laugh at the person thinking his £2000 astra is half decent.

Resistance · 13 Feb 2015 at 04:26

As this is your first car and I am sure you are young it would be best to go for something that is low cc for insurance reasons

Millwall.FC · 13 Feb 2015 at 07:11

ElliottJames said:
Which one?? http://www.parkers.co.uk/cars/reviews/facts-and-figures/vauxhall/astra/hatchback-2004/

And no I sit back in my full leather seats and laugh at the person thinking his £2000 astra is half decent.

Some ones touchy relax and have a sit down in that leather seat of yours and have a laugh at some one who thinks 7.7 secs is quick for a bog standard family hatchback.

rodenal · 13 Feb 2015 at 07:38

ElliottJames said:
Which one?? http://www.parkers.co.uk/cars/reviews/facts-and-figures/vauxhall/astra/hatchback-2004/

And no I sit back in my full leather seats and laugh at the person thinking his £2000 astra is half decent.

I really hope you're just trolling on the t'internet and aren't actually like this in person. Haven't you already had a suspension for ******* behaviour?

MooMoo444 · 13 Feb 2015 at 08:54

Leather seats wow, such luxure, very stature, many female, chance of love